DC Comics Spotlight projects for December, 2001

In 1986, a groundbreaking miniseries took the industry by storm, revolutionizing forever the way people envisioned the comic-book medium. Now, acclaimed writer/artist Frank Miller is set to do it again, with the most anticipated comics sequel of all time...

THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN is a 3-issue epic miniseries - each issue a whoppin' 80 pages in Prestige Format - masterfully written and illustrated by Miller and featuring the magnificent colors of Miller's collaborator, Lynn Varley.

It's been three years since the events of THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, and everything is just fine. Perfect, in fact. At least on the surface. What the world at large doesn't know is that it's a total sham. A perfectly choreographed, pretty little world where everything that's ugly, or even potentially disturbing, is all nicely wrapped up with neat little ribbons and swept under the carpet.

Only he knows better. He's watched it fester to near-breaking point, and it's time for the only free man left who can effect any real change to bring it all down around their ears, once and for all. It's not gonna be pretty. But at least it'll be honest.

The Dark Knight returns once again - trimmer, more streamlined, and with a vitality that hasn't been seen since the first years of his war on crime. Together with his army of Bat-soldiers, including Carrie Kelley - formerly Robin, and now the new Catgirl - the Dark Knight wages a new war on a diseased world that's become completely lost. But to fight this war successfully, he must first return to being the World's Greatest Detective and discover what has become of his former allies who were once the World's Greatest Heroes.

THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN features surprising appearances by such DC icons as Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Arrow, Martian Manhunter, the Atom, the Question, and more. But are they still the World's Greatest Heroes?

Frank Miller and Lynn Varley bring their unique and often controversial talents to bear in creating an amazing new tale of the Dark Knight and the finest heroes the world has ever known. The multi-award-winning team of Miller and Varley have delivered - together and separately - some of the finest tales of our time with BATMAN: YEAR ONE, 300, Sin City, Elektra Lives Again, RONIN, Give Me Liberty, and Hard Boiled. Be there to witness what may be their finest work to date, as THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN sets a new standard for comics.

Editor Bob Schreck on his relationship with Frank Miller & Lynn Varley: "I have had the extreme pleasure and honor of knowing and working with Frank and Lynn for several years now. From Sin City to Martha Washington to The Big Guy & Rusty the Boy Robot, each project is approached with a wide-eyed enthusiasm that's as infectious as it is exhilarating. This return to Batman is no exception. They are pouring their hearts and souls onto each and every page and it shows! Together, once again, they are turning the world on its ear, and challenging everything we take for granted with these enduring characters that we 'think' we know so well. From concept, to art style, to coloring and packaging, this book benefits from the 15 years of experience these two comic book mavericks have under their belts since they first made headlines with THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS. Buckle up, folks!"

This project is supported with an extensive promotional campaign.

THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN is a 3-issue Prestige Format miniseries edited by Bob Schreck, with each issue 80 pages and released monthly in six-week intervals. Issue #1 arrives in comic-book stores December 5 with a cover price of $7.95 U.S. Retailers please note: DC offers special graduated release options for this project. For complete details, please see your Diamond Order Form and Diamond Dialogue.

THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN STATUE

The Dark Knight returns...again! In celebration of the long-awaited sequel to the classic Frank Miller tale THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS comes THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN STATUE. Based on designs by Miller, and sculpted by William Paquet, this hand-painted cold-cast porcelain statue features a stunning rendition of Batman with his sidekick, Catgirl (a.k.a. Carrie Kelley) perched on his shoulder.

Best of all, you won't have to wait too long to display this handsome, Limited Edition statue in your home, as it is set to arrive in comic-book stores the same day as THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN #1! This statue is approximately 13 1/4" tall and 5 3/4" deep overall, on a base that is 7" wide x 5" deep, and it is packaged in a 4-color box.

THE DARK KNIGHT STRIKES AGAIN STATUE arrives in comic-book stores December 5, with a retail price of $195.00 U.S. Retailers, please note: This is a Limited Edition statue of only 7,500. Allocations may be necessary.

Enemies in their midst HAVEN: THE BROKEN CITY

They've traveled millions of miles and suffered unimaginable losses. But now the alien-born inhabitants of the city called Haven must face the greatest challenge of all - finding a new home - in the 9-issue HAVEN: THE BROKEN CITY.

From the same creative team that introduced the Havenites and their city in JLA/HAVEN: ARRIVAL (solicited in last month's Previews), writers Ashley-Jayne Nicolaus & Matthew P. Schuster and artist Ariel Olivetti reveal the origins of Earth's newest immigrants in THE BROKEN CITY. Why did the people of Haven leave their homeworld, taking their city with them? How did they get their diverse powers? Who - or what - are they fleeing? And will it come looking for them?

The answers begin to unfold in HAVEN: THE BROKEN CITY #1, as the heroes of the JLA learn more about the Havenites and their champions, the Alliance. Fleeing the alien tyrant known as Anathema, the people of Haven made incredible sacrifices and suffered devastating torments as they made their escape. But the war for freedom is far from over, as the city of Haven is home to other villains (all possessing incredible powers) and traitors to the Alliance's noble ideals. And even if those villains are defeated, how will the city of Haven be treated by its new homeland? And how will the United States, headed by Lex Luthor, a man who hates the alien Superman, treat an entire city of super-powered aliens seeking refuge?

HAVEN: THE BROKEN CITY is a 9-issue maxiseries edited by Mike Carlin. The 32-page issue #1 arrives in comic-book stores December 19 with a cover price of $2.50 U.S.

DEADMAN

Boston Brand has survived the rigors of the recent DEAD AGAIN miniseries. And after hanging around the fringes of the DC Universe for over 30 years, everyone's favorite dead acrobat finally gets his own ongoing series: DEADMAN, written by Steve Vance (DEADMAN: DEAD AGAIN, SUPERMAN, INC.) and illustrated by newly discovered artist Josep Maria Beroy.

Boston Brand is a (dead) man with a mission: to hunt down and capture the deadliest villains on Earth. These villains once were residents of Nanda Parbat, a secret Himalayan paradise, where they were gathered in order to prevent them from committing any more evil acts. But with the death of the keeper of Nanda Parbat, the residents were set free. Imagine: over 300 years' worth of the planet's most corrupt beings, set free at once on an unsuspecting world. Only Deadman and his detective friend Max Loomis even know of their existence - and only they can hope to stop them!

Issue #1 updates readers on Deadman's previous adventures while embarking on the first of his new ones: an investigation into the mysterious death of a legless band leader in Cairo - and the discovery that his body itself, being returned to the States for its final rest, holds a secret that threatens to unleash a new kind of horror on the Earth.

DEADMAN stars a very different kind of super-hero. While his roots might be in the mystical domain of Dr. Fate and the Phantom Stranger, his nature makes him the sort of down-to-earth character that readers will find both funny and fascinating. It's a change of pace from traditional fare, and with writer Vance and exciting new artist Beroy, DEADMAN will be sure to convince readers that being dead has its advantages...

This project is supported with house and trade ads.

DEADMAN is an ongoing series edited by Andy Helfer. Issue #1 arrives in comic-book stores December 12 with a cover price of $2.50 U.S.

Heroes so cool, they don't need logos!DC FULL COVERAGE!

The DC Universe has characters that are among the most recognizable icons in the world. And to prove it, this December features a special cover event we're calling DC FULL COVERAGE!, offering a fun new way to look at DC's stars - with many FULL COVERAGE! issues serving as great jumping-on points!

Almost all of December's ongoing DCU books showcase a dynamic depiction of the book's stars on the top half of the book, with the title of each book cleverly incorporated within the artwork on the bottom half (the title is also in type in the upper corner, so no matter how a book is racked, readers can identify their favorite titles easily). The end result makes for an arresting display of DC's signature characters.

In addition to a bold new artistic representation on the covers, almost every DC FULL COVERAGE issue features a self-contained, standalone story - making December the perfect opportunity for new readers to try DCU titles!

Catch the following DC FULL COVERAGE! books in December:

ACTION COMICS #786 *

ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #599 *

AZRAEL: AGENT OF THE BAT #85 *

BATGIRL #23 *

BATMAN #598 *

BATMAN: GOTHAM ADVENTURES #45 *

BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHTS #24 *

BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #150

BIRDS OF PREY #38 *

DETECTIVE COMICS #765 *

DOOM PATROL #3 *

THE FLASH #181 *

GREEN ARROW #11 *

GREEN LANTERN #145 *

HARLEY QUINN #15 *

IMPULSE #81 *

JLA #61 *

JSA #31 *

JUSTICE LEAGUE ADVENTURES #2 *

THE LEGION #3 *

NIGHTWING #64 *

ORION #21

ROBIN #97 *

THE SPECTRE #12 *

SUICIDE SQUAD #4 *

SUPERBOY #95 *

SUPERGIRL #65 *

SUPERMAN #177 *

SUPERMAN ADVENTURES # 64 *

SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL #121 *

THE TITANS #36

WONDER WOMAN #177 *

YOUNG JUSTICE #40 *

* "Standalone" issues

A storm is coming to the world of Norrath...EVERQUEST: THE RUINS OF KUNARK

Sony Online Entertainment's award-winning EverQuest is the most successful online fantasy role-playing game ever - with over 400,000 subscribers! Now WildStorm Productions is proud to present a brand new tale of this amazing world in EVERQUEST: THE RUINS OF KUNARK - a Prestige Format one-shot by cowriter/penciller extraordinaire Jim Lee (JUST IMAGINE...WONDER WOMAN), who is a big fan of the game, along with cowriter Brad McQuaid (cocreator of the game), and inker Dan Norton (NINJA BOY)!

Lee and McQuaid have crafted an original story containing characters and events featured in the multiplayer online game - setting the stage for an adventure through the world of EverQuest. Journey to the land of Kunark alongside High Elven Princess Firiona Vie, as she and her comrades-in-arms must stop an unholy alliance. The great Elven Armies stand ready to defend the realm, but will they be enough to vanquish the rising darkness that threatens all of Norrath?

THE RUINS OF KUNARK is the first of several projects by WildStorm featuring characters from the world of EverQuest. Look for more projects featuring characters and events from the online game in the future, by some of the most talented creators in the industry!

This project is supported with a co-op ad slick and house and trade ads.

EVERQUEST: THE RUINS OF KUNARK is a 48-page WildStorm Productions one-shot in the Prestige Format, edited by Aaron Watanabe. It arrives in comic-book stores December 5 with a cover price of $5.95 U.S.

THE SPIRIT ARCHIVES Volume 6 HARDCOVER

DC Comics continues its comprehensive, Eisner Award-winning collection of Will Eisner's most famous creation, the Spirit, with THE SPIRIT ARCHIVES Volume 6, a 224-page hardcover reprinting the newspaper Spirit sections from January 3 to July 27, 1943.

Volume 6 brings back the heady, frantic days of World War II, when Eisner, like so many young Americans, was called upon to serve his country. For the duration of the war, his creation, the Spirit, needed to be passed along to his assistants. But what a Who's Who of assistants it was: Lou Fine, one of the most highly respected draftsmen ever to have worked in comics; Jack Cole, creator of Plastic Man and one of comics' true geniuses; noted novelists Manly Wade Wellman and William Woolfolk; and many others! In their capable hands, with America embroiled in the conflict, the Spirit began to take on Axis foes as well as the usual cast of colorful thugs, crooks and killers.

Volume 6 also features an introduction by Eisner describing his work for the Army and his role in the development of comics as an educational tool - including an 8-page gallery of his military comics' work during and after the war years!

THE SPIRIT ARCHIVES Volume 6 is a 224-page hardcover, arriving in comic-book stores December 12 with a cover price of $49.95 U.S.

WORLD'S FINEST ARCHIVES Volume 2 HARDCOVER

Imagine your two favorite heroes - Superman and Batman - together in one exciting adventure after another! After battling crime separately for over a decade, the Man of Steel and the Dark Knight (along with Robin, the Boy Wonder!) joined forces in the pages of WORLD'S FINEST COMICS to become the world's greatest super-team!

Now more of their early adventures together are featured in WORLD'S FINEST COMICS Volume 2 - a 216-page hardcover by writers Edmond Hamilton, Bill Finger and Dave Wood, and featuring the artistic talents of Dick Sprang, Curt Swan, Stan Kaye, Ray Burnley, and Charles Paris, with an introduction by noted comics writer/editor Tom Peyer (THE AUTHORITY, HOURMAN).

The most powerful being in the universe teamed with a two-fisted costumed detective wasn't the most logical pairing of heroes (unless you considered sales figures!). But if these stories lacked anything in believability, they more than made up for it in sheer fun and excitement! Presented in Volume 2 are sixteen super team-ups from WORLD'S FINEST COMICS #86-101 - including the 1958 classic "The Origin of the Superman/Batman Team." Other tales include: Batman and Robin with super-powers and Superman with none; the mysterious Lightning-Man; Luthor teaming with the Joker to bedevil our heroes; a super-powered Batwoman; Superman dumping his former partners to join up with the enigmatic Powerman; Robin's becoming the boss of Superman and Batman; and much more!

WORLD'S FINEST ARCHIVES Volume 2 is a 216-page hardcover, arriving in comic-book stores December 5 with a cover price of $49.95 U.S.

Your favorite re-imagined heroes...together in one adventure!

JUST IMAGINE STAN LEE AND JERRY ORDWAY CREATING THE JLA

Throughout the second half of 2001, readers have marveled at comics legend Stan Lee's takes on DC's most legendary heroes in the JUST IMAGINE... series of one-shots. Aided by some of the greatest artistic talents in the field today, Stan has introduced all-new characters bearing the names of Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, Flash, and Green Lantern. But beyond Stan, what links these heroes? And what threat could require them to band together for the first time?

Artist Jerry Ordway (THE POWER OF SHAZAM!, Maximum Security) joins Stan to answer all these questions - and more - in JUST IMAGINE STAN LEE AND JERRY ORDWAY CREATING THE JLA, a Prestige Format one-shot that closes out the first wave of JUST IMAGINE... stories, as our heroes face the menace of the mysterious Dominic Darrk! Darrk's machinations have been in the works since long before an alien policeman became Earth's Superman, before a falsely convicted prisoner became the masked avenger known as Batman, before...well, you get the idea.

As Darrk's plans are revealed for the first time, so too are the connections between the origins of some of Earth's greatest heroes...but which of the JUST IMAGINE... heroes is unlike the others? And even if these very different heroes can survive working together, can they survive the incredible final battle against Darrk?

Like all the previous JUST IMAGINE... one-shots, this issue features two covers - one by the interior artist (in this case, Jerry Ordway) and the other by Adam Hughes (WONDER WOMAN). Unlike the others, there is no backup "On the Street" story, as this tale is so big that Stan and Jerry needed every page they could get!

This project is supported with house ads.

JUST IMAGINE STAN LEE AND JERRY ORDWAY CREATING THE JLA is a 48-page one-shot in the Prestige Format, edited by Mike Carlin. It arrives in comic-book stores December 12 with a cover price of $5.95 U.S.

WAR STORY: NIGHTINGALE

The fourth and final entry of the VERTIGO one-shots by writer Garth Ennis that explore the true horrors of World War II arrives in December in the form of WAR STORY: NIGHTINGALE - a 64-page Special teaming Ennis (PREACHER) with artist David Lloyd (V FOR VENDETTA), who illustrates this book in the same moody, evocative style that made him famous.

It's Christmas time again as the men of the British Destroyer Nightingale guard a convoy of merchant ships steaming through the icy waters of the Arctic Sea, desperate to reach the ports of Russia and resupply the starving Red Armies. After dodging and repelling German attacks from both above and below the water, word comes from British intelligence that the dreaded U-boat Tirpitz is now stalking the same frigid waters. Knowing the convoy is hopelessly outmatched, the orders come to scatter the convoy and hope for the best.

This desperate decision proves tragic as, one by one, the Nightingale's fellow ships are destroyed. Somehow, Nightingale survives the attacks and reaches the safety of a home port. But the crew's joy is tempered by the superstitious belief that they are now a cursed ship - shunned by the rest of the navy as bad luck and a "ship of the damned." It is this knowledge that drives this book's action as the Nightingale - along with her crew of both baby-faced recruits and battle-tested officers - steams deeper into the hellish jaws of war in a quest for redemption of their lost souls.

NIGHTINGALE - while packed with plenty of high-seas action - is ultimately a gut-wrenching tale of how in war, more than anywhere else in life, the icy hand of fate is inescapable and redemption so often comes at the price of human life.

This project is supported with house ads.

WAR STORY: NIGHTINGALE is a 64-page VERTIGO one-shot coedited by Will Dennis and Tony Bedard and is suggested for mature readers. It arrives in comic-book stores December 19 with a cover price of $4.95 U.S.

LUCIFER: CHILDREN AND MONSTERS TRADE PAPERBACK

The Eisner-nominated VERTIGO series LUCIFER has thrilled and engaged readers with compelling storylines, an impressive array of fine artists, and its charismatic lead character - appealing to fans of both THE SANDMAN and THE DREAMING. Following the success of DEVIL IN THE GATEWAY (LUCIFER's first collection), a second trade paperback arrives in December: LUCIFER: CHILDREN AND MONSTERS - by writer Mike Carey, artists Peter Gross, Ryan Kelly and Dean Ormston, and cover painter Duncan Fegredo.

Reprinting the storylines "The House of Windowless Rooms" and "Children and Monsters" from LUCIFER #5-13, LUCIFER: CHILDREN AND MONSTERS follows Lucifer Morningstar on his quest to reclaim his wings from a Hell not his own, and the consequences which unfold as a result of that quest's outcome. These events bring Lucifer into contact with enemies new and old, as well as unexpected allies in the form of cabaret star Jill Presto, hybrid angel Elaine Belloc, and the living Tarot deck known as the Basanos. All of these forces become embroiled in an apocalyptic showdown that stains Heaven itself with blood, opening a shocking new chapter in the history of Creation.

This project is supported with house ads.

LUCIFER: CHILDREN AND MONSTERS is a 208-page VERTIGO trade paperback suggested for mature readers, arriving in comic-book stores December 19 with a cover price of $17.95 U.S.

3 NEW VERTIGO STORYLINES

Three of the hottest new titles from VERTIGO begin new storylines in December, marking great entry-points for new readers! First up is 100 BULLETS #31, which is Part 1 of the 6-part "The Counterfeit Detective," written by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Eduardo Risso, with painted covers by Dave Johnson. Meet Milo Garret, L.A. private eye and a man without a face. Not that he's anonymous - lots of losers and deadbeats know him - but Milo recently had an accident that left his face on the floor and his head a mass of bandages. When Agent Graves informs Milo that what happened to him was no accident, he jumps at the chance to even the score. What he didn't figure on was where he would land..

Then in LUCIFER #21 - written by Mike Carey, with art by Peter Gross & Ryan Kelly and a painted cover by Christopher Moeller - the 3-part "Paradiso" begins, as thousands pour into Lucifer's newly christened cosmos. Some are curious, others desperate, but all have one thing in common: They've been mysteriously drawn to the Devil's paradise. Meanwhile, on Earth, British schoolgirl-come-hybrid angel Elaine Belloc tests out her wings. And deep in the Nevada desert, the living Tarot deck begins to scheme a nasty plan against its favorite adversary.

Finally, in AMERICAN CENTURY #10 - written by Howard Chaykin & David Tischman, with art by Marc Laming & John Stokes and a painted cover by Glen Orbik - the 4-Part "White Lightning" begins. Anti-hero/adventurer Harry Kraft's knee-deep in rednecks, working for the public good in North Carolina - where the locals like their stock car racing fast and their liquor home-brewed. Hot rods and hot babes have Harry hot under the collar in this steamy new storyline.

100 BULLETS #31 is edited by Will Dennis, arriving in comic-book stores December 5. LUCIFER #21 and AMERICAN CENTURY #10 are edited by Shelly Bond, and arrive in comic-book stores December 5 and December 19, respectively. All three VERTIGO titles are 32-page issues, suggested for mature readers, and have a cover price of $2.50 U.S. each.

SUPERMAN: 'TIL DEATH DO US PART TRADE PAPERBACK

"I always thought only Kryptonite could hurt Superman, not a broken heart."

The Man of Steel has faced countless adversaries and thwarted numerous catastrophes...but Superman's greatest challenge lies in his own home. SUPERMAN: 'TIL DEATH DO US PART is a 224-page trade paperback about one of the most difficult times in his career: his problems with the love of his life, Lois, and an ultimate battle with one of his deadliest enemies.

Written by Joe Kelly, Jeph Loeb, Mark Schultz, J.M. DeMatteis, Stuart Immonen, and Jay Faerber, with art by Doug Mahnke & Tom Nguyen (who provide a new cover), Ed McGuinness, Kano, Yanick Paquette, Immonen, Pablo Raimondi, and a host of other top talents, 'TIL DEATH DO US PART collects SUPERMAN #155-157, THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN #577-578, SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL #99-100, and ACTION COMICS #764-765.

Superman's hometown of Smallville has changed a bit in his absence, and he is called back there to defend it against eco-terrorism, lake demons and other threats. But the problems back home at the Kent household are all that the Man of Steel can think of. And no matter how fast and hard Superman tries to catch his ladylove, a chasm widens between him and Lois that may be too wide for the Man of Steel to bridge. Could one of Superman's deadliest foes be the reason for Clark and Lois's marital woes? And as if all that weren't bad enough, could the World's Greatest Hero really be coming down with...a cold? 'TIL DEATH DO US PART delivers a feast of action, mystery and suspense that you can't afford to miss!

This project is supported with house ads.

SUPERMAN: 'TIL DEATH DO US PART is a 224-page trade paperback arriving in comic-book stores December 26 with a cover price of $17.95 U.S.

You can use every phrase imaginable - and it still won't be enough to describe the excitement for JLA's brand-new creative team of writer Joe Kelly (ACTION COMICS) and SUPERMAN: THE MAN OF STEEL artists Doug Mahnke & Tom Nguyen, who begin their run with the extra-sized JLA #61 - which also features a free 16-page preview of THE POWER COMPANY!

Fresh from the cataclysm of "Our Worlds at War," the new minds behind the JLA (and the team that brought you The Elite in ACTION COMICS #775) raise the bar on adventure in the DC Universe, by combining the interpersonal dynamics of the World's Greatest Super-Heroes with both new and old adversaries. Kelly, Mahnke & Nguyen push the heroism of the League to its limits!

But for the JLA, a new creative team means no time to catch their collective breath - in this standalone tale celebrating DC FULL COVERAGE! month. An emergency arises and the JLA is ready for action, prepared to put their lives on the line for humanity. But what were the League members doing in the two minutes before the alert went out? How do the members of the League juggle their personal time with the demands of duty?

To celebrate this issue, JLA #61 includes an extra 16-page preview (at no extra cost!) of the DCU's newest super-team: THE POWER COMPANY. Brought to you by fan-favorite writer Kurt Busiek (Avengers, Marvels, KURT BUSIEK'S ASTRO CITY) and artists Tom Grummett (SUPERBOY, Section Zero) & Wade Von Grawbadger (STARMAN), THE POWER COMPANY explores the business of super-heroing as you've never seen it before. This preview leads into January's 7-issue Power Company event, followed by an ongoing THE POWER COMPANY series in February.

A new creative team, two exciting stories, an extra-sized issue, the debut of a new super-team, and the World's Greatest Super-Heroes (all under one great iconic cover) mean that JLA is going to be the book everyone's talking about!

JLA #61 is a 48-page issue coedited by Dan Raspler & Peter Tomasi, arriving in comic-book stores December 26 with a cover price of $2.25 U.S.

MR. MAJESTIC TRADE PAPERBACK

He may be one of the most powerful characters in the WildStorm Universe. He's saved the world from total destruction more than once. He's also centuries old.

As a special bonus, this trade also includes the hard-to-find Majestic story from WILDSTORM SPOTLIGHT #1 by writer Alan Moore (PROMETHEA, TOP TEN, WATCHMEN) and artists Carlos D'Anda (BRASS) & Richard Friend (STEAMPUNK) - in which our hero travels to the end of space, time and reality!

MR. MAJESTIC has it all: a time-bending tot; an intergalactic prison break; a harem of seductive outer-space ultravixens; and the most ambitious, largest-scale game of hide-and-seek in the history of the entire known and unknown universe! Join Mr. Majestic - with special guests Ladytron and Junior Majestic - on this tale of starfaring high adventure!

This project is supported with house ads.

MR. MAJESTIC is a 176-page WildStorm Productions trade paperback, arriving in comic-book stores December 5 with a cover price of $14.95 U.S.

OUT THERE #7

The hottest new ongoing series from CLIFFHANGER! continues with the start of a brand-new storyline! The 6-part "The Road to El Dorado" begins in OUT THERE #7, written by Brian Augustyn with art and cover by superstar artist Humberto Ramos & Sandra Hope.

It's a new day and Zach, Jess, Casey, and Mark are still recovering from the tragic events that have engulfed them, as their hometown of El Dorado City is now gone. The four teens, along with Reverend Becky and Abel, have taken to the road in the Grace Church bus. But as they drive the backwoods of the California and Nevada desert, our heroes can only wonder about the unique and special powers they were granted. It's a great responsibility placed on their shoulders, and they'll use their gifts in order to bring their home back to where it used to be.

Only Draedalus' goblin underlings can provide some clues, offering some kind of key to the limbo that El Dorado City is in. But first, our heroes must find the goblins to get any answers. Does El Dorado City even still exist, somewhere in the dark realm? Can our young heroes get back to it and save their friends and families? As their quest begins they find sanctuary in the town of Purgatory - a sad speck of dust that is home to Max Ostrow, the comic-book creator behind the prophetic "Damn Nation." But Purgatory is also infested by the hordes of Draedalus!

OUT THERE #7 is a 32-page issue from CLIFFHANGER! PRODUCTIONS edited by Scott Dunbier, arriving in comic-book stores December 26 with a cover price of $2.50 U.S.

AMERICA'S BEST COMICS SKETCHBOOK

From the pencils of America's Best Artists come the origins of AMERICA'S BEST COMICS! From PROMETHEA to TOP TEN to TOM STRONG to TOMORROW STORIES, the ABC titles boast some of the finest artists in the industry! Now you can witness how these amazing artists brought all of the colorful ABC characters to life in the AMERICA'S BEST COMICS SKETCHBOOK - a 48-page Prestige Format one-shot featuring art and commentary by Arthur Adams, Hilary Barta, Gene Ha, Kevin Nowlan, Alex Ross, Chris Sprouse, Rick Veitch, and J.H. Williams III!

This fantastic book features a myriad of sketches, illustrations, and concept drawings. And for fans of the comics form, this book promises to be the visual treat of the holiday season. You'll find the first drawings of Tom Strong, his family and many of their supporting characters, all beautifully delineated by Chris Sprouse. Then thrill as J.H. Williams III unveils early poses of Promethea. Gasp as Kevin Nowlan cuts it to the Quick (Jack B. Quick, that is). Stare in wonder at Gene Ha's arresting renditions of Top Ten! Laugh uproariously as you see how Hilary Barta gave Splash Brannigan his unique look! Wonder in amazement over Rick Veitch's early sketches of Greyshirt! Plus, see early designs from Arthur Adams's new feature in TOM STRONG'S TERRIFIC TALES, Jonni Future!

This project is supported with house ads.

AMERICA'S BEST COMICS SKETCHBOOK is a 48-page AMERICA'S BEST COMICS one-shot in the Prestige Format, edited by Scott Dunbier. It arrives in comic-book stores December 12 with a cover price of $5.95 U.S.

JUSTICE LEAGUE ANIMATED: WONDER WOMAN MAQUETTE

DC DIRECT is proud to present its first-ever line of maquettes, beginning with the JUSTICE LEAGUE ANIMATED: WONDER WOMAN MAQUETTE - advance-solicited this month for arrival in March, 2002! This exciting line of maquettes features all the super-heroes of the Justice League as they will appear in the exciting new WB Animation series debuting on the Cartoon Network in November!

Throughout 2002, DC DIRECT will produce a range of maquettes from the Justice League Animated series, including Martian Manhunter, Superman, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, the Flash, and Batman...all at an affordable price!

Maquettes are statues usually produced exclusively for the artists and animators of a series as the definitive models on which to base their drawings. Now, DC DIRECT makes such maquettes - sculpted by Karen Palinko - available to fans. The JUSTICE LEAGUE ANIMATED: WONDER WOMAN MAQUETTE is a hand-painted, cold-cast porcelain statue, overall approximately 9 1/8" high x 2 7/8" wide on a 3 1/2" diameter base, and is packaged in a 4-color box.

The JUSTICE LEAGUE ANIMATED: WONDER WOMAN MAQUETTE is advance-solicited and arrives in comic-book stores March 13, 2002 with a price of $89.95 U.S.

He was the tough, grizzled, combat happy leader of Easy Company, and the ultimate war hero. And now his recent appearances in "Our Worlds at War" and as the leader of the new SUICIDE SQUAD has brought much demand for his earliest World War II adventures. Immerse yourself in the first nineteen hard-hitting stories featuring quintessential war hero Sgt. Rock, collected in SGT. ROCK ARCHIVES Volume 1 - a 240-page hardcover that's advance-solicited for arrival in April, 2002, to coincide with the arrival of the FIGHTING FORCES: SGT. ROCK ACTION FIGURE!

SGT. ROCK ARCHIVES Volume 1 reprints stories from G.I. COMBAT #28 and OUR ARMY AT WAR #81-96, featuring tales written by Bob Kaninger & Bill Haney, with art by Joe Kubert (seen by many as the definitive Sgt. Rock artist), Jerry Grandinetti, Russ Heath, Mort Drucker, Ross Andru, and Mike Esposito. Kubert also supplies a brand-new cover for this volume, as well as the introduction.

Volume 1 includes an early "prototype" version of Rock as well as his actual first appearance. These blistering tales of war bring you right to the forefront of the conflicts in World War II, as Sgt. Frank Rock proves there's no other fighter quite like him anywhere.

Scheduled to arrive at the same time as the Archive edition is the FIGHTING FORCES: SGT. ROCK ACTION FIGURE, blasting your way from DC Direct. Standing approximately 6 1/2" tall, the SGT. ROCK ACTION FIGURE features multiple points of articulation and comes with a removable helmet, a machine gun that he can hold, and two hand grenades, and is packaged in a 4-color blister pack.

SGT. ROCK ARCHIVES Volume 1 is a 240-page hardcover, advance-solicited and arriving in comic-books stores April 24, 2002, with a cover price of $49.95 U.S. The FIGHTING FORCES: SGT. ROCK ACTION FIGURE is advance-solicited and arrives in comic-books stores April 24, 2002. Please check with your retailer for pricing information.